Use Your LinkedIn Profile to Stand Out from the Crowd

LinkedIn is an important resource for job searches and professional connections. But, despite the opportunities this social media tool can provide, many professionals still do not take advantage of all LinkedIn benefits.

Easily fixable mistakes are still common on this network, even on the profiles of highly skilled professionals. A few tips can improve your LinkedIn image and help you find more meaningful connections. After all, how others present your professional self will greatly influence how others will interact with you.

Here are five ways to improve your LinkedIn profile:

1. Keep your profile updated. Regardless of your experience level, don’t take too long to update your profile. It can make you seem unprofessional or indifferent to your work life. Pay special attention to your location and industry. Having an updated profile will help you find important contacts.
2. Personalize your URL. By personalizing your URL, you can better establish your personal brand. Don’t be another forgettable URL with a million confusing numbers. Go to the “Profile” tab at the top of your homepage and select “Edit Profile.” You’ll see a URL link under your profile photo. Move your cursor over the link and click the “Settings” icon next to it. Under the “Your public profile URL” section on the right, click the “Edit” icon next to your URL. Type the last part of your new custom URL in the text box and save.
3. Get endorsed for your skills. Pick skills that co-workers and acquaintances can endorse. Also keep your list clean: only add skills that contribute to your professional image. Your work connections won’t care if you are capable of “Disordered Eating” (an actual skill listed on LinkedIn). Keep only the ones that are relevant.
4. Connect with others through LinkedIn groups. Groups are a great tool for improving your reputation and making connections. There are countless groups to join and those that relate to your professional profile can definitely help you build meaningful networks.
5. Don’t forget that LinkedIn is a professional network. The worst mistake anyone can make on LinkedIn is to be excessively informal. LinkedIn is not Facebook and its objective is purely professional. That means no typos and no party photos. If you have a professional image, others will want to work with you.

These lessons are applicable to anyone, from interns to CEOs. LinkedIn is an amazing tool that can help you with professional relationships, but if used inappropriately, it can harm your image and your company’s image. Be informed, research and use social media to improve your work network.